The Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe is an irresistibly delicious dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection — this recipe balances savory, creamy, and slightly sweet notes that make every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or looking to impress guests, this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe serves up warm, comforting flavor that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to bringing this mouthwatering dish to life. Each component, from the smoky bacon to the tangy honey mustard sauce, plays a vital role in creating a harmony of flavors and adding distinct textures and colors that make this dish so special.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, helping to lock in moisture with a golden crust.
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese and mushrooms.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Sautéed to tender perfection, these add an earthy depth that complements the savory ingredients.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a rich, gooey element.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and bright herbal notes to finish the dish.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The base of the marinade and sauce, lending creamy richness.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds just the right touch of natural sweetness to brighten the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tangy Honey Mustard Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, creating that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet notes. Set aside one-third of this sauce in the fridge to drizzle over the finished dish for an extra flavor boost.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and coat them thoroughly with the remaining honey mustard sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in juicy chicken packed with zesty goodness.
Step 3: Cook Bacon and Sauté Mushrooms
While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Use the same skillet to sauté the sliced mushrooms until they’re tender and flavorful, absorbing the bacon’s smoky essence. These two components elevate the dish with their contrasting textures and savory tastes.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Breasts
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes, creating a beautiful golden crust that seals in all the juices and flavor before baking.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Top each seared chicken breast with the sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a generous layer of shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Finish with Sauce and Garnish
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven, drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for that final touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe.
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the presentation but also adds a subtle herbal lift that cuts through the richness of the dish. For an extra zing, a light drizzle of the reserved honey mustard sauce is a must to mirror that signature flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides such as steamed green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. The lightness and crunch from veggies provide perfect balance, making the meal both hearty and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the plate. Alternatively, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up every delicious drip of sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the reserved honey mustard sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts carefully wrapped in foil or stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish’s juiciness and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep things moist and tasty as you warm it through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for the Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheeses are traditional here for their meltability and mild flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even a smoky gouda to customize the dish to your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative and choose mayo made from avocado oil or other plant-based ingredients. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying without the dairy.
Can I prepare the marinade and chicken in advance?
Definitely. Marinating the chicken for longer, even up to 24 hours, intensifies the flavor. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated for safety.
What can I use instead of bacon if I want a vegetarian option?
In place of bacon, try smoky tempeh bacon or seasoned, crisped mushrooms to add that umami and texture contrast. It won’t be quite the same but still delicious!
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the juices clear when you cut into the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe, and I’m so excited for you to give it a try. It’s a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making any meal feel special. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is bound to win over hearts and taste buds alike – so get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a delicious copycat of the popular Outback Steakhouse dish. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce, then seared and baked with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Finished with a drizzle of honey mustard and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a satisfying and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside one-third of the sauce in the refrigerator for serving later.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and coat them evenly with the remaining two-thirds of the sauce. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the bacon and mushrooms: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble the bacon once cooled. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender and lightly browned. Set both bacon and mushrooms aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, season both sides with salt and pepper, and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Top each seared chicken breast with the sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to maximize flavor.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven; a cast iron skillet works perfectly.
- Leftover sauce makes a great dressing or dip for vegetables or salads.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- You can substitute the Colby Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or cheddar based on preference.
